Nation rallies behind #justiceforCwecwe

NATIONWIDE peaceful protests under the hashtag #JusticeForCwecwe took place yesterday over the critical failures by authorities in probing the rape of the seven-year-old girl six months ago.

- HOPE NTANZI AND KOKETSO PHASHA

This comes after a seven-year-old girl, Cwecwe, was raped in October 2024 at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, while waiting for scholar transport. Despite her parents promptly reporting the incident, no arrests have been made to date, fuelling public outrage and demands for accountability.

The hashtag #JusticeForCwecwe has gained significant traction, with South Africans calling for action from law enforcement and the Department of Education.

It was previously reported that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said three individuals, including the school principal, have been identified as suspects in the case.

"All outstanding statements have since been obtained by the investigating officer. DNA tests have also been conducted. The senior State Prosecutor will be consulted in the coming week, and the family will be provided feedback on the matter," Mchunu said.

One of the protesters, Nkateko Mabasa, 23, a third-year Bachelor of Education student at the University of the Witwatersrand said: "We are here to fight for justice, not only for Cwecwe, we are doing it for all the women and children who have been abused and raped. We are saying no to GBV, we are saying no to rape."